SOUTH DAKOTA GFP NEWS FOR 3-27-09

• GFP Commission Meeting to be Held in Sioux Falls
• Trout to be Stocked in Pierre Area
• GFP Employee Receives Award

GFP Commission Meeting to be Held in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D – The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission will be holding their monthly meeting at the Sioux Falls Downtown Holiday Inn April 2-3.

The meeting will start at 1 pm on Thursday, April 2.  The commission will take public comment on the current proposals, which include the 2009 pheasant season and elk seasons, starting at 2 pm.  The commission also allows public comment on any GFP related topics during an open forum portion of the meeting early on Thursday afternoon.

For a complete agenda of the upcoming meeting, go to www.sdgfp.info/Commission/AgendaApril09.htm

Trout to be Stocked Near Pierre

PIERRE, S.D. – Rainbow trout will be stocked in two areas near Pierre throughout April.

Game, Fish and Parks Fisheries Biologist Robert Hanten said the Department will stock rainbow trout in Oahe Marina, near Oahe Dam, and in Downs Marina, just downstream of the LaFramboise Causeway.

“Weather permitting, the first stocking of trout will be made at both locations on April 2^nd with additional stockings planned throughout April,” Hanten said. “Trout released in Downs Marina generally migrate out of the marina and spend several weeks in and around the LaFramboise causeway fishing piers.”

“We are hoping that having trout available to shore anglers at LaFramboise Causeway in addition to Oahe Marina will make trout fishing in the Pierre area more accessible to anyone who likes to fish.” Hanten said “The trout range in size from 9 to 11 inches and can provide many hours of fishing enjoyment. The fishing should be great, so get out and enjoy it with your family and friends.”

Interested anglers can locate LaFramboise Island by following Poplar Avenue south toward the Missouri River.  Oahe Marina is located within Oahe Downstream State Campground,just below the Oahe Dam off Highway 1806 north of Fort Pierre.  Anglers fishing the Oahe Marina are reminded they will need a state park entrance sticker 

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Will Sayler Receives the Distinguished Professional Service Award

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Will Sayler, Game, Fish and Parks hatchery manager at Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery near Rapid City, received the Distinguished Professional Service Award at the annual meeting of the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

Mr. Sayler has a long and distinguished record of service to the fisheries profession, including the Dakota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.  During the three decades of his career with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, he has exhibited a dedication to fisheries conservation, the enhancement of professionalism, and the social needs of his colleagues.

“Will has a long history of involvement with fisheries research,” said John Lott, GFP’s Fisheries Chief.  “He willingly and eagerly assists both hatchery and field management staff with any project, including reviewing papers, evaluating stockings, and reviewing annual stocking plans.   He was an instrumental force in the creation and continuing success of the Tri-State Chinook Salmon Workgroup, which has provided outstanding salmon fishing on the Oahe Reservoir as well.”

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